Free eBooks at Planet eBook.com
there?’ But the maid met the visitors and at once called back
to her mistress.
‘It’s not he, it’s nothing, only other visitors.’
‘What can be the matter?’ muttered Rakitin, leading Aly-
osha into the drawing-room.
Grushenka was standing by the sofa as though still
alarmed. A thick coil of her dark brown hair escaped from
its lace covering and fell on her right shoulder, but she did
not notice it and did not put it back till she had gazed at her
visitors and recognised them.
‘Ah, it’s you, Rakitin? You quite frightened me. Whom
have you brought? Who is this with you? Good heavens, you
have brought him!’ she exclaimed, recognising Alyosha.
‘Do send for candles!’ said Rakitin, with the free-and-
easy air of a most intimate friend, who is privileged to give
orders in the house.
‘Candles... of course, candles.... Fenya, fetch him a can-
dle.... Well, you have chosen a moment to bring him! she
exclaimed again, nodding towards Alyosha, and turning to
the looking-glass she began quickly fastening up her hair
with both hands. She seemed displeased.
‘Haven’t I managed to please you?’ asked Rakitin, in-
stantly almost offended.
You frightened me, Rakitin, that’s what it is.’ Grushenka
turned with a smile to Alyosha. ‘Don’t be afraid of me, my
dear Alyosha, you cannot think how glad I am to see you,
my unexpected visitor. But you frightened me, Rakitin, I
thought it was Mitya breaking in. You see, I deceived him
just now, I made him promise to believe me and I told him